Parker Hale P1853 Enfield Birmingham Rifle-Musket .577 cal 39″ English
SOLD FOR: $2,525.00
LSB#: LSB251220TO076
Make: Parker-Hale Birmingham England LTD
Model: 1853 Enfield (P53)
Serial Number: 6391
Year of Manufacture: Pre–1992 ATF antique
Caliber: .577
Action Type: Percussion Ignition Muzzleloader
Markings: The lock plate is marked “1853 ENFIELD”. The left side of the chamber is marked “6391”. The right side of the buttstock is marked with a “PARKER HALE LTD” address stamp. The top of the chamber are markers “crown over BP”
Barrel Length: 39″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barley corn blade on a base soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding adjustable V notch ladder sight screwed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is smooth walnut. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the brass buttplate. The brass has darkened with age and use. There are light scratches and compression dents throughout. There is some weathering around the lock and buttstock. The stock rates Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is light fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original finish. There is some scattered handling and operational wear. There is thinned bluing near the muzzle from bayonet use. There are a few light scratches and corrosion stains scattered throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: sling, bayonet
Our Assessment: The Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle musket was one of the most influential military firearms of the mid 19th century and saw extensive use during the Crimean War, the American Civil War, and numerous colonial conflicts of the period. Adopted by the British military in 1853, the rifle featured a .577 caliber rifled barrel designed to fire the Minié style expanding bullet, dramatically improving accuracy compared to earlier smoothbore muskets. With its long barrel, ladder rear sight, and percussion ignition system, the P1853 became the standard British infantry arm for much of the 1850s and 1860s and was widely exported around the world.
Parker-Hale of Birmingham, England later produced highly regarded reproductions of historic British military arms during the 20th century. These rifles were manufactured with careful attention to the dimensions and appearance of the original Enfield rifle muskets and were widely used by historical reenactors, black powder shooters, and collectors interested in the arms of the Victorian era. Parker-Hale reproductions are known for their quality machining and accurate reproduction of period features such as the long 39 inch barrel, brass furniture, and folding ladder rear sight used for extended range shooting.
This example remains in very good overall condition and retains approximately 95 percent of its original blued finish with light handling wear and minor corrosion staining scattered across the metal surfaces. The walnut stock shows light scratches, compression dents, and mild weathering around the lock and butt area while remaining structurally sound. The brass furniture has developed a natural darkened patina consistent with age and handling. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates a strong 9 out of 10 with only light fouling noted. The action functions correctly and the rifle includes a sling. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF